Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali was released on bail after an arrest by Greater Manchester Police on the alleged charges of rape with a British Pakistani woman. Police stated that this incident occurred in a hotel in Manchester on July 23, 2025, and was reported on August 4. Haider Ali was arrested on the same day.
Police said in a statement:
This incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in a hotel in Manchester. The accused is on bail until further investigation. Police personnel helped the affected woman.
According to sources, Haider Ali rejected the allegations and said that he knew the woman and they were friends; however, the family also took the stand that they both met with mutual consent.
The police arrested Haider Ali during a match at the Cantt Spitfire County Cricket Ground. He was arrested from the players’ canteen’s office, but he was not handcuffed.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also suspended Haider temporarily until the investigation is completed. The board has stated that it respects the process of British law and will take further steps after the completion of legal action. PCB has also said that it will provide legal help to Haider.
Sources said that the police confiscated Haider’s passport. He was an important member of the Pakistan Shaheens Squad, and he was on a visit to England from July 17 to August 6. During this period, two to three matches were drawn, and Pakistan won the one-day series 2-1.
Haider Ali has also performed in his T20 debut against England in Manchester. He has played 2 one-day and 35 T20 international matches for Pakistan. This incident has brought back memories of the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, when Salman Butt, Muhammad Amir, and Muhammad Asif were sentenced to jail in England.
PCB has also clarified that until legal investigation is completed, Haider Ali will not be able to participate in cricket activities, and the Board reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct.
Also read: PCB issues schedule for Women Cricket Team 2025-26
